April 02, 2020 RAPID RESPONSE

    Implications of the COVID-19 Pandemic on African Americans and Communities of Color

    "When White America Catches a Cold, Black America Catches Pneumonia." Panelists will address the current and foreseeable implications of the COVID-19 pandemic has on the African American Community.  It’s important to identify the rights members of vulnerable communities have as it relates to (1) Access to health care; (2) economic security; (3) criminal justice and (4) voting.  Our panel will discuss the impact of COVID-19 providing insight and commentary on questions such as:  Will COVID-19 adversely affect more African Americans because of health disparities or common pre-existing conditions? Will testing sites be set up in communities of color? Will individuals without insurance be more at risk if they have to seek health care via emergency rooms and free clinics? Will health care rationing decisions be made on the basis of protected classes? Will minority small businesses receive an equitable distribution of relief funding? What rights do individuals have if they are laid off? Will the pandemic adversely impact access to voting or voter turnout?  Panelists will address a wide variety of issues and the unique implications they have on the African American community. 

    With heightened concerns nationwide about data confidentiality and diminished trust in the federal government, lawyers in all practice areas may find themselves being asked about the Census 2020, which begins nationwide in March, by their clients.
    With heightened concerns nationwide about data confidentiality and diminished trust in the federal government, lawyers in all practice areas may find themselves being asked about the Census 2020, which begins nationwide in March, by their clients.

    Welcome and Introduction

    • Judy Perry Martinez, President, American Bar Association; Of Counsel, Simon, Peragine, Smith & Redfearn

    Panelists

    • Ashley N. Baker, Chair, Criminal Justice Committee, ABA Section of Civil Rights and Social Justice
    • Anthony I. Butler, President & CEO, AIDS Interfaith Residential Services, Inc., Empire Homes of Maryland, Inc. and City Steps
    • Aletha Maybank MD, MPH, Vice President and Chief Health Equity, American Medical Association
    • Juan Thomas, Former National Bar Association President; Of Counsel, Quintairos, Prieto, Wood & Boyer Willis Tower 

    Moderator

    • Angela J. Scott, Chair-Elect, ABA Section of Civil Rights and Social Justice

    Co-Sponsors: ABA Center for Public Interest Law, ABA Coalition on Racial and Ethnic Justice, ABA Commission on Hispanic Legal Rights & Responsibilities, ABA Commission on Racial and Ethnic Diversity in the Profession, ABA Commission on Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity, ABA Criminal Justice Section, ABA Government and Public Sector Lawyers Division, ABA Section of Litigation, ABA Section of State and Local Government Law, ABA Senior Lawyers Division, ABA Standing Committee on Pro Bono and Public Service, National Black Law Student Association

    Resources

    Presentations: Dr. Aletha Maybank, MD, MPH; Anthony I. Butler; Ashley Baker

    AIDS Interfaith Residential Services, Inc., Empire Homes of Maryland, Inc. and City Steps: COVID-19 Resources 

    The Justice Collaborative's COVID-19 (Coronavirus) Response & Resources

    U.S. Election Assistance Commission

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